Coming off a powerful return to the stage with headline sets at Lightning in a Bottle and Movement Festival Detroit, Claude VonStroke continues to redefine his Life of Leisure era with an unforgettable new release. Out June 13, the track “This MFing Beat” sees Claude team up with none other than improvisational genius and vocal wizard Reggie Watts for a funk-fueled, joyfully off-kilter club cut that perfectly captures the spontaneity of summer.
The collaboration was as unexpected as it was electric. Claude had been working in the studio, looping a beat and experimenting with falsetto lines — but something wasn’t quite clicking. Then, as if by cosmic timing, Reggie Watts sent Claude a video message, dancing and riffing to a previous track. Claude immediately replied with the new beat in progress. Just four hours later, Reggie pulled up to the studio, laid down the vocals in one go, and the two shared a laid-back salmon dinner. No endless email chains, no retakes — just pure creative energy in the moment.
With Reggie’s surrealist humor and genre-bending vocal skills layered over Claude’s distinct groove, “This MFing Beat” is a playfully irreverent ride through twisted funk, club energy, and unfiltered imagination.
Watts, best known for his work as bandleader on The Late Late Show with James Corden and co-creator of Wajatta (his electronic duo with John Tejada), brings his signature mix of absurdist wit and vocal prowess to the track. His four-octave range, looping mastery, and spontaneous style make him a natural fit in Claude’s colorful world. It’s not the first time he’s joined the Dirtybird universe either — having played Claude’s festival both solo and as Wajatta — but this track marks their first official studio release together.
Claude VonStroke: A New Chapter in Motion
After two decades at the forefront of underground dance music and building the Dirtybird empire, Claude VonStroke took a deliberate two-year step back. Now, with Life of Leisure, he returns recharged — touring only by choice, creating freely, and focusing on the moments that matter most.
The “Life of Leisure” movement isn’t about excess — it’s a mindset. A reminder that the dancefloor is a sanctuary, where stress is checked at the door and every beat is an invitation to let go. For Claude, it’s about intentionality. Every show is curated. Every collaboration, like this one with Reggie, is a reflection of artistic joy and connection.
Reggie Watts: Boundaryless Creativity
Reggie Watts continues to carve his unique space in the entertainment world, weaving together music, comedy, and performance art. Whether as a solo act, in television, or live on global stages, his fully improvised sets challenge norms and spark imagination. His latest memoir Great Falls, MT (Tiny Reparations/Penguin) showcases his deep introspection, while his most recent special Never Mind has drawn acclaim from Vulture and The LA Times alike. With previous hits like Spatial on Netflix and appearances at major festivals from Bonnaroo to Just For Laughs, Reggie remains one of the most unpredictable and captivating performers today.
Catch Claude VonStroke Live on the “Life of Leisure” Tour
Tour dates and ticket info at: www.claudevonstroke.com
Upcoming Dates Include:
- June 13 – Space, Miami, FL
- July 12 – KOKO, London, UK
- July 13 – TBA, Berlin, DE
- July 18 – Beat-Herder, Lancashire, UK
- August 2 – Osheaga, Montreal, PQ
- August 9 – Outside Lands, San Francisco, CA
- August 10 – Elements, Long Pond, PA
…and more.
Get ready for a summer jam unlike any other — “This MFing Beat” is here to soundtrack your leisure.
